Harijan

English

Etymology

Borrowed from Hindi हरिजन (harijan, literally “Children of God”). Coined by Narsinh Mehta, a Gujarati Bhakti poet Narsinh Mehta in the 15th century and popularized by Mahatma Gandhi as an alternative to the term Dalit.

Noun

Harijan (plural Harijans)

1. (derogatory) Synonym of Dalit.

Usage notes

Now considered offensive to Dalits, as the term is considered patronising, ignorant, and seeking to assimilate them into Hindu nationalism.

French

Etymology

Borrowed from Hindi हरिजन (harijan, literally “Children of God”). Coined by Narsinh Mehta, a Gujarati Bhakti poet Narsinh Mehta in the 15th century and popularized by Mahatma Gandhi as an alternative to the term Dalit.

Noun

Harijan m (plural Harijans)

1. (derogatory) Harijan
   • 2021, Laetitia Colombani, Le Cerf-Volant, Grasset, page 43:

     Un jour, Léna apprendra les punitions qu’on réserve aux enfants des hautes castes qui se hasardent à toucher un Harijan, comme les appelait Gandhi. Elle entendra le témoignage de cet homme, contraint à l’âge de huit ans d’avaler de l’urine et de la bouse de vache pour expier sa faute.

     One day, Lena will learn about the punishments reserved for high caste children who dare to touch a Harijan, as Gandhi called them. She will hear the testimony of this man, who at eight years old was forced to consume cow urine and cowpat to expiate his error.

Usage notes

Now considered offensive to Dalits, as the term is considered patronising, ignorant, and seeking to assimilate them into Hindu nationalism.